The transition of the Russian economy to an innovative type of development requires the development and implementation of a systemic state policy aimed at intensifying innovation activities in the regions. However, the raw-material specialization of the regional economy can have a negative effect on the ability for sustainable development based on innovation. The purpose of this study is to identify the features of socio-economic development of the regions of raw materials orientation and identify factors that contribute to the intensification of innovation activities on their territory. To achieve the objectives of the study, an analysis was made of the indicators of the socio-economic development of the raw regions, and their common features were identified. In addition, a correlation analysis of the index of innovative activity of commodity regions was carried out with a number of factors, such as the level of education of the population, the number of researchers engaged in research and development, and others. The strongest dependence of the innovative performance of the raw material region was established with indicators of scientific potential and volumes of shipped products of manufacturing industries. Thus, for the innovative activity of the raw material region, the presence in the economy of the region of processing industries with a high level of redistribution, as well as the accumulated scientific potential of the territory, is essential. The analysis showed that the state policy on innovative development of commodity regions should be based on the support of manufacturing industries that stimulate the creation of innovations and the strengthening of scientific potential.